Divided or not the deadline looms
Sue Brooks February 15th, 2011
Tomorrow is the last day to let Council know whether you would prefer our region to be represented via ‘divisions’. Would you prefer the ten Councillors to have a specific geographical area to represent, as well as representing the entire region as a whole, or not? I’m happy to try divisions as many residents still tell me that they want ‘their very own’ Councillor. Though they know that currently they can ring up or write to any of the ten Councillors they would rather ‘ get to know’ a specific Councillor who they have selected to represent them. Of course if we do end up with divisions the community can still contact any Councillor on any issue and should definitely still communicate their wishes to all Councillors. Without divisions all Councillors are driving around the entire region and trying to attend meetings throughout a very large region toget to know all the local issues, while at the same time keeping their sights firmly on our regional issues. It also means that each Councillor is potentially competing against each Councillor for your vote at the next election. This can, in my opinion, lead to disunity. Under divisional representation some say the danger is that a Councillor will concentrate on just their own division rather than the region as a whole, but but this would be a breach of their duties under the Local government Act. I know that the community would be less likely to vote for me in a future election if I didn’t make sensible decisions on things likes our foreshore, sporting facilities and roads etc that were not all within ‘my division’.
Without divisions it is expensive to campaign and also very expensive to run an election if a by-election is ever needed. The last term of the Hervey Bay City Council saw two by-elections and two very expensive bills for our community to pay. Please either email or ring Council by Close of Business tomorrow (Wed 16th Feb) to Have Your Say. There are links and more information on the Council web site http://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au Just look to the right side of the home page. There is an online form that will work for one vote from one computer but you can email directly if you share a computer. The restriction is to help us ensure that voting is valid and honest. Take care, Sue
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- Comments(3)
Sue,
While I am supportive of a return to divisions/wards, I have to ask why you and others talk of ten councillors?
What is required is a good look at the current boundaries with a view to redistribution. Our region is wracked
with parochialism, redistribution would go some way to correcting this situation.
If we are to change the current system, lets get it right, all we ever seem to do is patch up crap.
Sadman
Happy to support ‘divisions’ now that you have made it clear that you can and will still vote on larger issues. If the others cannot be bothered outside their own divivion the deserve the contempt they would no doubt get. Shall continue to pester ( and vote for ) you Sue. Emailing Council this hour.
Dear Sue,
I responded to the poll on the Chronicle. I went there fully expecting to vote for a return to the divisions but then at the last minute I thought that some issues need a special approach and not all divisions will be represented by councillors who are as informed or caring about certain issues as others. By keeping my vote in a division I am unable to support a sympathetic councillor from another division. To my own astonishment I voted for keeping the broader representation. Of course I hadn’t read your comments when this happened. In fact it was fear of losing you that encouraged me to vote as I did.
Oh dear! How confusing it all is. I am grateful to you for all of your excellent work and live in fear of losing your wise voice in the council. Point Vernon needs you.